Acoustic pickup comparison - Mojotone NC-2, Fishman Rare Earth Blend, Fishman Prefix Pro Blend

[casey2048]

Because @karlo recently discussed installing a Mojotone NC-2 in his guitar, I figured I would get one and try it out against the other systems I have. All are pickup + mic blend systems. I made a short video comparison using my D40, if anyone is interested to hear. (feel free to move if this isn't a good spot for this post.)

I liked the way all of them sounded, but I'd be curious to hear anyone's opinions. I will say of the two soundhole pickups the NC-2 is much lighter, less bulky and so easier to install, but the flip side is it is made of plastic and feels less solidly built. It also seemed a bit more susceptible to interference than the REB. But, if take good care of it I'm sure it would last many years and be a good primary or backup system.

 

[MLBob]

NC 2 sounds kinda thin to me.

 

[Christopher Cozad]

Casey, I think you just inspired me to acquire an NC-2 (I need yet one more pickup like I need another soundhole, but I really like what I hear from your Mojotone). Thanks for the video.

 

[casey2048]

Casey, I think you just inspired me to acquire an NC-2 (I need yet one more pickup like I need another soundhole, but I really like what I hear from your Mojotone). Thanks for the video.

I hope you enjoy it! I’m sure there’s more tones you could squeeze out of it by fiddling with the mic volume knob too.

 

[portsider]

I thought the Monotone sounded the most like an acoustic. I liked the REB more for some reason and the piezo/mic sounded best of all.

 

[HeyMikey]

Very nice comparison. Thanks for that!

 

[karlo]

Based on that demo/comparison I’m partial to the sound of the REB, they all sound really good. I wish this video would have been out before I got the NC-2 I maybe would have went with the REB. Very nice.

On second listen the NC-2 has thicker mids? Not better, not worse, different.

 

[casey2048]

Yeah I would say the NC-2 has an overall rounder and mellower sound which many might prefer. To me the REB shines particularly for fingerstyle work where you wanna hear that articulation. It’s a very nice sounding pickup though some might find it a bit TOO sensitive but that’s where the blend comes in. I like the way both of them sound.

 

[karlo]

Yeah I would say the NC-2 has an overall rounder and mellower sound which many might prefer. To me the REB shines particularly for fingerstyle work where you wanna hear that articulation. It’s a very nice sounding pickup though some might find it a bit TOO sensitive but that’s where the blend comes in. I like the way both of them

Did you have the mic all the way up on the NC-2 for this demo?

 

[casey2048]

Did you have the mic all the way up on the NC-2 for this demo?

I think I had it halfway but I’m not sure. I was just kind of doing it by ear to get it where I thought it sounded good.

 

[karlo]

I think I had it halfway but I’m not sure. I was just kind of doing it by ear to get it where I thought it sounded good.

I have mine set to “all the way up”.

 

[Iceman]

Thx for the video.
I liked the Fishman best.

 

[chazmo]

Casey, I think you just inspired me to acquire an NC-2 (I need yet one more pickup like I need another soundhole, but I really like what I hear from your Mojotone). Thanks for the video.

Chris, you're a junkie!!!!!!!

 

[Christopher Cozad]

Chris, you're a junkie!!!!!!!

No doubt! Pickups are a weakness. There; I have confessed it publicly.

{... oh my... I'm suddenly feeling better... lighter... I feel good enough to go shopping...}

 

[plaidseason]

I'm relieved that I'm still firmly in the Rare Earth camp. I don't need that kind of existential crisis right now!